Xiaomi tab: what it is, where it is and how to use it

If you own a Xiaomi, Redmi or a smartphone POCO, You probably have encountered the term “tab” in the context of the interface. MIUI. But what is it really about? Tab is not a separate application, but a shell system element that is responsible for organizing multitasking, quickly accessing applications, and managing open windows. MIUI (12 to 16) tabs may look and work differently, but the essence remains the same: simplify user interaction with multitasking.

Many confuse tabs with recent apps (multitasking menus), but it's not exactly the same.Tabs in Xiaomi are a more flexible tool that lets you not only switch between apps, but also lock important windows, split the screen in two, or even create "floating" mini-apps. For example, you can fix a tab with a map so that it always stays on top of other windows, or open a chat in a messenger in a small window without closing the main application.

In this article, we will discuss in detail:

• 📱 What is a tab in Xiaomi smartphones and how it differs from the standard menu of applications;
• 🔍 Where to find tabs in different versions MIUI (including HyperOS);
• ⚙️ How to set up tabs for your needs: fixing, splitting the screen, floating windows;
• ⚡ Hidden opportunities that 90% of users do not know;
• ❌ Typical errors and how to avoid them when working with tabs.

If you've never used this feature or find it useless, you'll change your mind after reading it. Xiaomi tabs can save you time and make smartphone use a lot more convenient.

What is a tab in Xiaomi: a simple explanation

The tab in Xiaomi is a virtual app window that you can open on top of other tasks. Imagine you're working in a browser on a computer: you can have multiple tabs with different sites, and you can easily switch between them. Similarly, here, only instead of sites, applications.

However, in MIUI tabs work a little differently than Chrome or Safari. Here are the key features:

• 🔄 Multitasking: You can quickly switch between open applications without losing data (for example, without closing a game or video).
• 📌 Fixing: Important tabs can be “attached” so they don’t close when memory is cleared.
• 🪟 Floating windows: Some apps (like YouTube or Telegram) support mini window mode.
• ➗ Screen split: Two tabs can be opened at the same time (useful for dragging text or comparing information).

The main difference from the standard menu of recent apps (the “square” button) is that tabs allow you to actively interact with several tasks at once, rather than just switch between them.

• 🎵 Listen to music in Spotify's floating window while you browse Instagram.
• 🗺️ Keep Google Maps open in a small window while you search for a route in your browser.
• 💬 Respond to WhatsApp without folding videos on YouTube.

In newer versions MIUI (Starting with 14) and in HyperOS, tabs have been expanded to support gestures (e.g. swipe down to close) and integration with Xiao’s smart assistant. AI.

Where to find tabs in Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions

The location of the tabs depends on the version MIUI And the smartphone models, and below, we'll look at how to open tabs on the most popular Xiaomi, Redmi and other devices. POCO.

Method 1: Standard gesture (MIUI 12–16, HyperOS)

In most modern Xiaomi smartphones, tabs are swiped up the bottom of the screen with a delay:

1. Click on the bottom of the screen (where the navigation bar is usually located).
2. Without letting go of your finger, pull up and hold for 0.5 seconds.
3. Release – a menu of recent apps (tabs) will open.

If you have button navigation (three virtual buttons at the bottom), click on the square button (right).

Method 2: Through the notification panel (MIUI 14+)

In the latest versions MIUI Quick access to tabs through the notification panel:

1. Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification bar.
2. Find the “Recent” icon (usually a two-square icon).
3. Then you will see the menu opens.

Method 3: For older models (MIUI 11 and below)

On devices with MIUI 11 or earlier versions of the tabs may open differently:

• 📱 Double pressing the home button (if physical).
• 🔘 Long press on the button "Menu" (if any).

If none of these methods worked, check your gesture settings:

1. Go to Settings → Display → Navigation panel.
2. Select “Full screen gestures” or “Navigation buttons”.
3. Make sure that the “Show Recent Apps” option is enabled.

Make sure you use full-screen gestures

Check the navigation bar settings

Update MIUI to the latest version

Reboot your smartphone if the tabs don’t open-->

How to use tabs: fixing, splitting the screen and floating windows

Now that you know where to find tabs, we'll figure out how to use them effectively. MIUI There are three main features that make tabs really useful.

Tab fixation (fixing)

If you use the same app frequently (like Google Maps or Telegram), it can be secured so that it doesn’t close when you clear your memory:

1. Open the menu of recent apps (tabs).
2. Find the desired application and swipe down on his card.
3. Then you will see the sign of the sanctuary, and then you will be able to put it on.

Now the app will always be open in the background, even if you click “Close all”.

2. Screen splitting (Split Screen)

The split-screen feature allows you to use two apps at once, for example, you can watch a YouTube video and write a message to the user at the same time. VK:

1. Open the first app (like YouTube).
2. Swipe up and hold to open the tabs.
3. Click on the app icon at the top of the card.
4. Select "Separate screen".
5. Select the second app from the list.

To change the size of the windows, pull the dividing line up or down.

3. Floating Windows (Mini Windows)

Some apps (e.g. Calculy, Notes, Telegram) support floating window mode to activate it:

1. Open the app.
2. Swipe up to open the tabs.
3. Tap on the app icon → «Floating window».

The window will shrink and float on top of other apps, and you can move it around the screen and resize it.

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If floating windows don't work, check settings: Settings → Special facilities → Floating windows. It's possible the function is disabled.

Hidden opportunities tabs that you didn’t know about

Even Xiaomi’s experienced users are often unaware of some of the hidden features of the tabs, and here are the most useful ones:

1. Quick switching between the last two applications

Instead of opening the full tab menu, you can instantly switch between the last two apps:

• 🔄 Double swipe on the bottom panel to the left or right (depending on the direction of the gesture in the settings).

This works even if one of the applications is closed, the system will automatically restore it.

2. Clean up memory without closing fixed tabs

If your smartphone is slowing down, but you don’t want to close the attached apps:

1. Open the tab menu.
2. Slip on "Clean" (usually at the bottom of the screen).
3. The system will close all unattached applications, leaving only those you attached.

3. Access to tabs from a locked screen

V MIUI 14+ HyperOS can be configured to display some tabs even on a locked screen:

1. Go to Settings → Screen Lock → Notifications on the locked screen.
2. Enable the option to “Show recent apps”.
3. Now swipe up on the locked screen will open the last tab used.

⚠️ Warning: This feature can reduce security if your smartphone falls into the wrong hands. Use it only with fingerprint or face protection on.

4. Horizontal gestures for tabs

HyperOS has support for horizontal gestures for tab management:

• 👉 Swipe left on the bottom panel - opens the last tab.
• 👈 Swipe to the right - returns to the previous.

This function can be configured in Settings → Display. → Gestures → Horizontal swipes.

Typical tab problems and how to solve them

Despite the convenience, tabs in Xiaomi sometimes don't work properly, and let's look at the most common problems and their solutions.

1. Tabs won't open

If the swipe up doesn't work:

• 🔧 Check the gesture settings: Settings → Display. → Navigation panel.
• 🔄 Make sure the Full Screen gestures mode is enabled».
• 📱 Reboot your smartphone – sometimes it helps to reset temporary data.

2.Applications are closed spontaneously

If tabs are constantly “flying out”, the reasons may be as follows:

• 🚫 Battery Optimization: Some applications are closed to save charge.Switch off optimization in Settings → Annexes → Permits → Auto-start.
• 🧹 Memory cleanup: If you don't have enough RAM, the system forcibly closes the background. Try to pin important tabs.
• 🔄 Update. MIUI: In the old versions there were bugs with multitasking.

3. Screen splitting does not work

If the Split Screen function is inactive:

• 📱 Make sure both apps support split screen (games and some system utilities – no).
• ⚙️ Check the developer settings: Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Slip 7 times, then Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Insert free window shape.

4.Floating windows don't appear

If the mini windows do not open:

• 🔍 Check if the app supports this mode (list limited).
• 📲 Update the application to the latest version.
• 🔧 Enable the function manually: Settings → Special facilities → Floating windows.

⚠️ Note: On some models (POCO F5, Redmi Note 12) Floating windows are disabled by default due to performance optimization. ADB Other tools like Miui Home Mod.

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If none of the methods worked, try resetting the interface settings: Settings → Annexes → Application management → Settings (three points) → Resetting settings.

How to Optimize Tab Work for Maximum Performance

Tabs are a powerful tool, but if used incorrectly, they can slow down your smartphone and drain your battery. Here are some tips to avoid these problems.

1. Limit the number of background tabs

MIUI It defaults to hold up to 10 to 15 last apps in memory, which eats up RAM:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select “Memory Cleanup» → «Auto-cleaning».
3. Set a limit on 3-5 background processes (enough for most tasks).

2. disable auto-run of unnecessary applications

Many apps run in the background and create extra tabs to fix this:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Permissions → Autostart.
2. Turn off auto-runs for applications you rarely use (such as games, social media).

3.Use "Light" mode to save battery

If you notice that the tabs are draining the battery:

• 🔋 Enable the Power Saving Mode: Settings → Battery → Energy saving regime.
• ⚡ Turn off background activity for unnecessary apps in Settings → Battery → Battery utilization.

4.Tune your gestures to yourself

To speed up the work with tabs:

• 👆 Set up the sensitivity of swipes in Settings → Display. → Gestures.
• 🔄 Enable double tap for quick switching between apps.

FAQ: Frequent questions about tabs in Xiaomi